Category Archives: FAQ’s

Some Thoughts on Buying “The Best” Cruising Yacht

I was surfing through the Letters section of an old issue of  a California sailing rag awhile back and came across yet another “I’ve got this yacht, can anyone tell me about it” letter.  After purchasing the yacht the owner … Continue reading

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Mothballing Moonshadow for the Winter

For the last few years, we have been “part-time” cruisers, leaving Moonshadow under care in a marina and returning home to New Zealand for the southern hemisphere summer. Our experience with this has been mostly positive as we’ve learned both … Continue reading

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What kind of health insurance to you have?

We have been incredibly fortunate in that none of the crew of Moonshadow have had any major health issues in sixteen years of cruising. Nonetheless, we believe strongly in health insurance, just in case. Merima is a New Zealand citizen, and … Continue reading

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How do you “mothball” Moonshadow?

For the last few years, we have been “part-time” cruisers, leaving Moonshadow under care in a marina and returning home to New Zealand for the southern hemisphere summer.  Our experience with this has been mostly positive as we’ve learned … Continue reading

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How do you make sure you are visible at sea?

At sea, I think it is safe to maintain the assumption that you are not seen by other craft, and then take appropriate measures to give yourself a wide berth from traffic wherever possible. That said, from time to … Continue reading

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Getting “Med-ready”

We’ve just completed our first season of cruising in the Mediterranean Sea and have learned a bit about the local customs and procedures as it relates to anchoring and berthing, and in particular Mediterranean-style mooring, or simply Med-mooring. Here are … Continue reading

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Anchoring in Challenging Conditions

I’ll start off with a brief rundown of our ground tackle, which is pretty basic as we like to keep things simple. We keep just one anchor on the bow because I like to minimize weight at the ends of … Continue reading

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Are you using Skype and Wifi to stay in touch?

The technology available to the cruiser these days is continuing to make it easier to keep in touch with family and friends, to keep abreast of information on what lies ahead, and to share information with those who plan … Continue reading

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How do you avoid drift nets?

Sailing across the Indian Ocean was the first time we’d come across large drift net fishing. I suppose that the best way to deal with them is to give them a wide berth, assuming you know where they are … Continue reading

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What tactics are you planning to use for transiting “Pirate Alley?”

We’ve just spent a most delightful week in and around Salalah, Oman, and are on the move again. Salalah has been a wonderful introduction to the Middle East – beautiful sights, friendly and helpful people, and excellent food. We … Continue reading

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